iop.out

The iop.out file contains the Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs) for each layer of the water column. The file is structured in blocks, with each block corresponding to a specific layer.

Each block starts with a header that specifies the layer number and its starting depth, for example: Layer = 1 Starting at: 0.00000000 m

Following the header, a table lists the IOPs for each simulated wavelength within that layer. The table includes the following columns:

• Wavelength: The wavelength of light in nanometers.
• absorption: The bulk absorption coefficient (a) of the water for that layer and wavelength. This value represents the fraction of energy absorbed per unit distance.
• scattering: The bulk scattering coefficient (b) of the water for that layer and wavelength. This value represents the fraction of energy scattered out of the beam per unit distance.
• attenuation: The beam attenuation coefficient (c), which is the sum of the absorption and scattering coefficients (c = a + b).
• scat albedo: The single-scattering albedo (ω), calculated as the ratio of scattering to attenuation (ω = b / c). It represents the probability that a photon will be scattered rather than absorbed.